Mary McGee, a female racing pioneer on whom the Oscar-contending documentary ‘Motorcycle Mary,’ was made, passed away. Her family confirmed the news that Mary McGee breathed her last at the age of 87.
“McGee’s unparalleled achievements in off-road racing and motorcycle racing have inspired generations of athletes that followed in her footsteps,” her family said in a statement according to AP.
Complications from stroke have been cited as the cause of her demise. The family mentioned that on Wednesday, she faced complications from a stroke at her home in Gardnerville. MacGee left the mortal world, a day before her documentary ‘Motorcycle Marry’ became available globally on Thursday.
Paying the last tribute and celebrating the life she had, McGee’s family on social media wrote – “Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism. She was a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply for others, and made time to brighten the lives of those around her. While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.”
Director Haley Watson, who helmed the documentary expressed her grief. While talking about the tragic news, according to AP she said that though the news is very unsettling, there is comfort in knowing that Mary was with her friends and family during her last moments.
“In early 2022, I was researching stories when I came across Mary’s. That discovery marked the tipping point into uncovering a much larger and truly incredible career in motorsports and life journey,” added Watson.
MacGee who started her journey of racing with auto racing, shifted gears to motorcycle and formed an impressive profile for herself. In 1975, she became the first person to complete the solo Baja 500 off-road race in Mexico.
The news of her demise left everyone disheartened. British racing driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his grief through a social media post that read – “I’m deeply saddened to hear that Mary McGee, the first woman to road race motorcycles in the U.S and the first person to solo the Baja 500 has passed on,” Hamilton wrote. “My condolences to her family and everyone who she’s inspired. Her legacy will live on as a trailblazer in the world of motorsports and beyond.”
Mary McGee was one strong independent woman who inspired everyone around her for decades. She was the first woman to race motocross in the United States, to compete in an international motocross competition, and to receive sponsorships from major brands. Though the legend today is gone, her legacy continues to live.
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